I sometimes go several league nights wo needing a jump cue, because it's not a shot that comes up that often. When it does, I am ready quickly, and not much hassle. Because the shot does not come up that often players are not that well versed in jumping. It is a skill set that needs practice, but the opportunities during competition don't crop up that much. Most players who try to jump often fail because they don't get enough practice to hone their skills. I watch players pull their expensive predator or cuetec jumper out of the bag and make a mess of the shot. If you spend that kind of money, $600 to $700, that's a lot of investment for a dedicated cue that you might use once every four League nights. Another issue is getting ample practice with a jump cue, as is not as simple as it seems to find the opportunity to practice. Most folks don't like practicing their jumping on their own table because it does leave slight burn marks. I generally do all my jumping at the local pool hall, as they allow it there, and change their cloth once a year regardless. When I was using a dedicated jump cue, I would often think about it being in my bag and not being used that often for various reasons. This is another reason I purchased a j/b stick is that it will give me less inhibition about using it when a jumping need arises. The thing about a dedicated stick as opposed to a j/b stick can be an issue, but I feel my j/b I recently purchased is as good as any dedicated jump cue. It also breaks hard.
